Flights to Cape Town

Everybody has a reason to book flights to Cape Town. The Mother City has everything: beautiful beaches, lively lounges and restaurants, and five-star hotels from which to explore them all. Historically, it was a busy port for travellers sailing past the tip of Africa. Today, the melting pot of cultures keeps visitors coming from all over the world.

Cape Town is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, from the golden beaches and aquamarine oceans of the coast to the exotic wildlife inland, all overseen by the majestic Table Mountain. Needless to say, you’ll want to bring a camera.

Take that beautiful landscape, add good weather for most of the year, and you get a wonderfully outdoorsy lifestyle. On weekends you’ll find the locals hiking in Cape Town (check out Lion’s Head mountain and Cape Point), heading into the forest for a braai (barbecue) or hanging out on the beach. Fish Hoek, St James, Clifton, Hout Bay and Bloubergstrand are the most popular sandy spots.

Being a city on the coast, the seafood is as fresh and tasty as you’d expect, whether you’re eating calamari in a restaurant or digging into a slice of fish from a paper parcel on the beach. With such a diverse population, you can find pretty much any international cuisine that you fancy, and the local Cape Malay food is tasty too. Just don’t stuff yourself so much that you can’t hit the town afterwards.

By night, Cape Town really comes into its own, with a dining and nightlife scene to rival the best of them. The city has nightlife venues featuring live jazz, rock, trance and everything in between. Coupled with the hospitality of the city’s residents, it makes for an unforgettable night out.

What to do in Cape Town

Tour the Winelands

South Africa’s vineyards are renowned all over the world, and famous regions such as Paarl and Stellenbosch are well worth travelling out of the city centre for. As well as proving educational, these excursions into some of the region’s most beautiful scenery can end at some top-notch restaurants.

193 Banghoek Road
Stellenbosch
7600
+27 86 613 7870

Spend a day (and night) on Long Street

No visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip to the famous Long Street. During the day, shop at the hip boutiques and people-watch in the backpacker cafes. Once the sun goes down, get ready for a memorable evening, with lounges, live music and nightlife venues to satisfy everyone.

City Centre
8001

Hike Lion’s Head

Pack a picnic and head up the stunning Lion’s Head mountain in the late afternoon. From the peak, which stands an impressive 669m high, you can watch the sun set over the city before making your way back down by the light of the full moon.

Table Mountain National Park
Plateau Road
Signal Hill
Cape Town
8001

Where to eat in Cape Town

Bo Kaap Kombuis (Cape Malay)

This is the best place in the city to try authentic South African cuisine – specifically, the distinctive flavours of Cape Malay cooking. Located in the multi-coloured, multicultural neighbourhood of Bokaap, as you tuck into your lunch you can soak up gorgeous views of Table Mountain and Table Bay.

Bukhara (Indian)

It isn’t easy to pick a favourite from the many Indian restaurants in Cape Town, but stylish Bukhara always seems to come out on top. Loyal local fans can’t get enough of the traditional North Indian cuisine, served with a modern twist from the open kitchen, and rumour has it that visiting celebrities love it too.

33 Church Street
City Centre
7001
+27 21 424 0000

Truth Coffee Roasting (Cafe)

This fashionable Steampunk-themed cafe is one of the most highly regarded coffee shops in South Africa. The interior is stunning and you won’t find a better cup anywhere in the city. Plus, it’s just around the corner from the award-winning District Six Museum, which is well worth a visit.

36 Buitenkant Street
City Centre
8000
+27 21 200 0440

Places to stay in Cape Town

Cape Grace Hotel & Spa

If you really feel like pushing the boat out on a waterfront hotel in Cape Town, this gorgeous building has the wow factor. It has its own quay yet is just a short walk away from the attractions of the V&A Waterfront. The service is impeccable, as is the on-site restaurant – and there’s even a luggage unpacking service.

West Quay Road
V&A Waterfront
8001
+27 21 410 7100

Blue on Blue Bed and Breakfast

This Cape Town bed and breakfast is simply marvellous. If you love the beach, it’s a perfect location; perched on the mountainside overlooking False Bay, you’ll be within walking distance of tranquil St James beach, as well as a host of cafes, boutiques, seafood restaurants and surf shops in nearby Muizenberg.

9 Sandhurst Road
St James
7946
+27 21 788 7238

The Backpack

Hostelworld.com once named this place ‘the best hostel in Africa’, and you can see why. The rooms are clean and stylish, and it’s in a handy central location. In addition, The Backpack is Fairtrade-accredited, supports local community projects and has a bursary scheme for staff members.

74 New Church Street
Gardens
8001
+27 21 423 4530

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Most popular destinations from Cape Town (CPT)

Emirates offers flights to Cape Town (CPT) and 141 other destinations. Below you’ll find a selection of our flight destinations to spark your interest. Get inspired and plan and book your next flight or holiday. With Emirates you’ll experience the most comfortable flight across our cabin classes. And we continually get the best reviews for onboard service. Whether you fly Economy Class, Business Class or First Class, fly with us for a great way to travel.